RAKYAT TODAY.ID _ JAKARTA – The Presidential Staff Office asked the public not to misinterpret the Circular (SE) of the Minister of Religion which regulates loudspeakers for mosques and prayer rooms. The Main Expert Staff of the Presidential Staff Office, Rumadi Akhmad, confirmed that the substance of Circular No. 05/2022 was not to prohibit, but to regulate the use of loudspeakers so as not to create conflict. “This Minister of Religion Circular is a middle ground for various interests to realize tolerance and social harmony,” said Rumadi, at the Bina Graha building, Jakarta, Tuesday (22/2). “So it is not true if someone narrates this SE, it is considered to prohibit loudspeakers,” he said. As already reported, Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas issued a SE which regulates loudspeakers for mosques and prayer rooms. The regulation is stipulated in the Circular Letter of the Minister of Religion No. 05/2022. In the circular, several things are regulated regarding loudspeakers in mosques and prayer rooms. Among them are about the use and installation and procedures. According to Rumadi, the issue of loudspeakers in places of worship has long been a topic of discussion, especially in plural areas. In fact, he said, the problem of loudspeakers was once a trigger for social conflicts, as happened in Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra. “Things like this should not be repeated, so this SE can be a reference in the management of places of worship,” he said. On that occasion, Rumadi also invited the public not to be provoked by negative narratives about loudspeakers that could undermine tolerance. “Don’t let the issue of loudspeakers which are “sunnah” for religious symbols, actually damage the things we must maintain, namely social harmony,” concluded Rumadi.(PP/RP)
